There are actually several varieties of Chamomile growing around the world today. The two most sought-after for their medicinal benefits are German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis).
In many ways both varieties are very similar, and in some ways they are very different. These differences become important when we are treating conditions of the body, emotions and mind with our home essential oil kits.
So, let’s try to clarify the Which, When and Why of these two wonderful essential oils!
Both German and Roman Chamomile plants grow wild in various parts of the world.
Roman Chamomile is a small evergreen perennial plant that grows low to the ground, often used as a ground cover. It’s propagated by division, and the stems are hairy, with flowers are larger than 1 inch diameter.
German (Blue) Chamomile, on the other hand, is not perennial, and is propagated by seed planting or letting the flower heads go to seed for the next year. The stems are hairless, branching, and longer, with a few flowers on the tops.
Roman Chamomile has a light, fresh apple fragrance, and German Chamomile smells more like sweet straw.
Medicinally, both varieties are used for calming and soothing skin, inflammation, fevers, and the nervous and digestive systems, as well as inducing perspiration to flush out toxins, allergens and infections. Both are pain relieving, antibiotic, anti-bacterial, and sedative. It’s in their chemical properties that we begin to see where they differ.
- Contains chamazulene, giving the oil its deep blue color, and anti-inflammatory and infection fighting properties.
- Maintains normal skin; calms dry, irritated or flaky skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis; promotes healing and regeneration of damaged skin tissue.
- Stimulates liver, kidneys and gall bladder to improve digestion, remove toxins and infections.
- Calms mind and body for menstrual and menopausal problems, including PMS.
- Contains high level of esters, has a yellow-pale blue color, and is anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal and highly calming.
- Provides restful sleep, relief from sore muscles, arthritis, headaches and migraines.
- Effective at calming irritation, rage, mood swings. For children, it’s useful for teething, colic, and temper tantrums.
By knowing the differences in these two effective essential oils, you can be sure to pick just the right one for your family’s physical, emotional and mental health. Chamomile will definitely be a valuable addition to your essential oil kit!
Featured products
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Chamomile German Organic Essential Oil
Chamomile German Organic Essential Oil
- Regular price
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$18.00 CAD $174.00 CAD - Regular price
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- Sale price
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$18.00 CAD $174.00 CAD
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- Regular price
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$18.00 CAD $176.00 CAD - Regular price
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- Sale price
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$18.00 CAD $176.00 CAD
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As an expert in aromatherapy and essential oils, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to guide you through the intricacies of using German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis). My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of the medicinal benefits, botanical characteristics, and chemical properties of these two sought-after essential oils.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article to gain a comprehensive understanding of German and Roman Chamomile:
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Botanical Differences:
- German Chamomile: Annual, propagated by seed planting or letting the flower heads go to seed for the next year. Hairless, branching stems, with flowers on the tops. Smells more like sweet straw.
- Roman Chamomile: Small evergreen perennial, propagated by division. Low-growing, often used as a ground cover. Hairy stems with larger flowers. Has a light, fresh apple fragrance.
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Medicinal Uses and Similarities:
- Both German and Roman Chamomile are used for calming and soothing skin, addressing inflammation, fevers, and issues related to the nervous and digestive systems.
- Both induce perspiration to flush out toxins, allergens, and infections.
- Both possess pain-relieving, antibiotic, anti-bacterial, and sedative properties.
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Chemical Properties and Unique Characteristics:
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German (Blue) Chamomile:
- Contains chamazulene, giving the oil its deep blue color. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and infection-fighting properties.
- Maintains normal skin and is beneficial for dry, irritated, or flaky skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.
- Stimulates liver, kidneys, and gall bladder to improve digestion, remove toxins, and infections.
- Calms the mind and body, particularly for menstrual and menopausal problems, including PMS.
-
Roman Chamomile:
- Contains a high level of esters, resulting in a yellow-pale blue color. It is anti-spasmodic, anti-fungal, and highly calming.
- Promotes restful sleep and provides relief from sore muscles, arthritis, headaches, and migraines.
- Effective at calming irritation, rage, and mood swings.
- Particularly useful for children, addressing issues like teething, colic, and temper tantrums.
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Practical Application:
- German Chamomile is recommended for maintaining normal skin, addressing digestive issues, and calming the mind and body during menstrual and menopausal problems.
- Roman Chamomile is suggested for promoting restful sleep, relieving physical discomforts like sore muscles and headaches, and calming emotional issues, especially in children.
By understanding these differences, you can confidently choose the right chamomile essential oil for specific needs related to your family's physical, emotional, and mental health. The article recommends featured products—Chamomile German Organic Essential Oil and Chamomile Roman Essential Oil—for your consideration, each catering to different aspects of well-being.
